New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) – Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Haloti
Ngata was suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on
performance-enhancing substances.
Ngata said he took Adderall and apologized for the transgression that will
keep him out of Baltimore’s remaining four games of the regular season.
“I made a mistake, and I own this,” said Ngata in a statement Thursday. “I
took Adderall and take full responsibility for doing this. I am deeply sorry
and broken up over this. I let down my family, my teammates, Ravens fans and
myself. My hope is that the Ravens make the playoffs, and I believe they can
do this. And, then I can come back and help us win.”
The Ravens are 7-5 entering Sunday’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins and are
tied with five other teams for the final AFC wild card spot.
Ngata will be eligible to return following the regular-season finale against
Cleveland and would be able to play if the Ravens qualify for the playoffs.
“This is disappointing news for the Ravens,” said general manager Ozzie
Newsome. “We are disappointed with Haloti, but no more than he is with
himself.”
Ngata, in his ninth season with the Ravens, is the center of Baltimore’s
defense as the prominent run stopper in the club’s 3-4 scheme. He has 31
tackles with two sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions in 12 games
this season.
